Abstract Business continuity and the reliance on energy-enabled resources for critical processes is an area of scant research. Using an environmental waste lens, we posit that business process modeling (BPM) during the software engineering process presents a dual opportunity: by contributing to sustainability; and to increase organizational readiness during times of crisis. Modeling provides a vehicle for the assessment of business (organizational) processes and practices. The assessment of information communication technology (ICT) usage behavior is another use when modeling information systems that tackle environmental sustainability. For example, the ongoing deployment of social media and mobile technologies are impacting day-to-day interactions but aren't assessed for impact or value-added (i.e. increased personal interactions, redundancy, immediacy), they are simply incorporated into everyday use. This research uses BPM as a vehicle to assessment ICT usage behavior within the alignment of sustainable business practices and business continuity. Recognizing environmental impacts through day-to-day business practices can empower users and increase their readiness to respond when called upon in times of crisis. Resilience and the continuity of business are factors that rely on sustainable ICT infrastructures. Overall, the alignment of sustainability and business continuity (crisis management) could benefit greatly from implementations that reduce energy use and mirror the conditions often present during a disaster.